With the release of Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar reintroduced a sprawling countryside for the first time since San Andreas, leading to the inclusion of more wildlife. While the number of animals wasn’t extensive, it added a sense of life to the environment.

In GTA V, animals weren’t a primary focus; they played a minor role, primarily tied to the hunting mechanic that was necessary for 100% completion. The next-gen update, however, brought several new animals and expanded their functions. One notable mission featured Franklin, who tasked players with photographing the state’s wildlife, rewarding them with the Kraken Submersible.

Players could also interact with Peyote plants, which allowed for temporary control of animals, resulting in some humorous gameplay moments. A special golden Peyote even enabled players to embody Bigfoot in the next-gen version!

At the launch of GTA Online, animals were noticeably absent, which left many players feeling that the world lacked immersion. However, given the nature of the game—focused on crime and empire-building—wildlife was not a high priority. If animals had been included, they might have been classified as endangered or even extinct due to the chaotic environment of the game